Demand for all-season tyres has shot up since Michelin launched its initial CrossClimate in 2015. 27 million all-season car and SUV tyres were sold in Europe in 2020, up from 11.2 million in 2015. As demand has grown, so the product has evolved. For example, the new CrossClimate 2 offers a 10 per cent reduction in rolling resistance when compared to its best-selling predecessor thanks to a Cool Running Sidewall designed to improve fuel efficiency or electric vehicle battery range…” amongst other enhancements.
Performance-wise, Michelin says the CrossClimate2 is number one across a range of characteristics. Indeed, comparing the CrossClimate2 with the leading competitors in the wet, the new Michelin tyre is only a little behind the category-leading Bridgestone Weather Control A005 at full-tread. However, at 2mm TUV Sud testing suggests the CrossClimate2 is number one (see wet braking chart).
When it comes snow braking it is a similar story at full-tread, only this time Michelin narrowly beats the Continental AllSeasonContact with just a 1cm shorter stopping distance. However, at 2mm the Michelin CrossClimate2 is significantly further ahead of its premium market peers.
As far as availability is concerned, the Michelin CrossClimate2 is available in Europe as of the day before the launch event (1 September) in no fewer than 105 sizes for 15- to 20-inch wheels. The list includes 65 new sizes, an increase of 40 per cent over the Michelin CrossClimate+ catalogue. There is even talk of OE fitments on at least three Volvo models, with other OE announced said to be in the pipeline.
